Summer 2020

We acknowledge that in addition to the stressors associated with the pandemic, the police brutality and institutionalized racism in our country make this an incredibly difficult time. We are committed to actively learning how to be more effectively anti-racist and anti-bias. As early childhood educators, our main message is to parents and educators.

Have the difficult conversations with your little ones. TALK and LISTEN to them. Have those conversations EARLY and OFTEN. It will be uncomfortable and you won't always say the right thing but it is OK to say you don't know everything. We acknowledge those of you who regularly have these difficult conversations, some of whom have no choice but to do so on a daily basis.

Here are just a few resources specific to having conversations about equity and bias with young children.

Parent Coalition Updates

Tuesday, July 21, 2:00 p.m. Parent Cafe

Tuesday, August 11, 8:00 p.m. Parent Cafe

Tuesday, August 25, 2:00 p.m. Parent Cafe

Tuesday, September 15, 8:00 p.m. Parent Cafe

Great Start Collaborative Updates

June Quarterly Virtual Meeting

We had a very successful June quarterly meeting. We had 45 attendees. It was a new experience for GSC to have a virtual quarterly meeting and we are very thankful to all who attended and made it work.

2020/2021 Quarterly Meetings

Save the Dates
It will be determined closer to each date whether the meetings will be virtual or in person.

COVID-19 and Early Childhood

For resources and information regarding COVID-19, please visit ECIC's resource page by clicking HERE.

LARA

Guidelines for Safe Childcare Operations During COVID-19
This document provides tools to help you make the best decisions possible to limit the spread of COVID-19 and to create safe spaces for children and staff members.

GSQ Stakeholder Feedback Survey

The Michigan Department of Education Office of Great Start (OGS) conducted a validation study of Great Start to Quality (GSQ), the state’s quality rating and improvement system (QRIS). This study was required as part of the Federal Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge Grant and was conducted by the American Institutes for Research and High Scope. They found that the ratings were reliable and similar to other state quality standards. However, a number of updates were recommended. OGS is now asking for feedback from program providers, families and state and regional agencies and organizations.

This survey asks for your thoughts on changes being considered. The results will help the GSQ Advisory Committee and the OGS to make decisions about what an updated GSQ will include. We hope that you will share your insights by completing this short survey. It should take no more than 20 minutes of your time. If interested, please complete the survey before Monday, July 13, 2020. Your perspective will go a long way in supporting Michigan’s youngest children and their families.

Child Care Decision Tree from the CDC

The purpose of this tool is to assist directors and administrators in making (re)opening decisions regarding child care programs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Self-Care Opportunity

Stress less, move more and sleep soundly
Headspace is science-backed meditation and mindfulness and is free to Michigan residents during this time. We encourage you to check it out.

Community Resources

Great Start Collaborative Vision

A Great Start for every child in Kalamazoo County: safe, healthy and successful in school and life.

Great Start Collaborative Mission

The purpose of the Great Start Collaborative is to ensure a coordinated system of community resources and family supports in Kalamazoo County.